Category Archives: Helpful Articles
How Retirement Communities are Changing the Way People Age
It’s no secret that the nation’s population is aging. But just want does it mean to grow old in today’s world of technological advancements and improved lifestyle opportunities?
Well, for starters “retirement housing” is no longer synonymous with “nursing home”. While traditional nursing homes still exists, they’re far from the only option available to today’s senior. In fact, maturing adults now have a plethora of retirement housing options to choose from, making the transition into old age something to look forward to rather than feared.
At Sharon Village Care Homes, we pay close attention to what seniors are looking for when it comes to a retirement community experience. From exceptional accommodations to state-of-the-art amenities, our Sharon Village Care Homes are quite literally changing the way people age.
Four Trends in Senior Living and Retirement Communities
Retirement homes aren’t what they used to be. In fact, they’re far better! To better understand how things have changed, let’s look at four of the biggest trends currently improving retirement living options for seniors.
- Health and Wellness
Staying active isn’t just for youngsters. Living a healthy, active lifestyle is equally important for maturing adults looking to make the most of their golden years. As such, many retirement communities are shining a light on fitness options both within the facility and in the surrounding neighbourhood. Walking paths, health centres, group fitness classes – these are the types of services and programs that seniors expect to find when looking at different retirement communities. - Technology
Baby Boomers are no strangers to social media, the Internet and mobile networks. Avid Facebook-ers and email-ers, retirees expect the facilities that serve them to be just as tech-savvy as they are. (The fact that you’re reading this article right now proves that technology, online marketing and social networking has an impact on your life!) Whether it’s subscribing to an online newsletter, reviewing resources on our accessible website or communicating via email with a property manager, here at SVCH we’re doing everything we can to keep you connected. - Independence
Modern retirement communities are designed to feel like residential or condominium neighbourhoods. The reasoning behind this is simple – it’s because that’s exactly what these communities are! Equipped with dozens of high-quality amenities and open spaces, these properties help seniors maintain the independent lifestyle they’ve grown accustomed to. From the physical layout of the property, to its location relative to public transportation and local amenities, retirement communities are offering residents all the comforts of home… and then some! - Younger Neighbours
Baby Boomers might be surprised to learn that many of today’s retirees are much younger than even one generation ago. Studies have show that the age of people living in adult retirement communities is slowly coming down, as younger folks “retire” in order to jump start a new career or stay in the workforce as a part-time consultant. As such, don’t be surprised if your neighbour is a youthful 55 rather than the expected 65. Retirement comes in all shapes and sizes these days, as do the retirement accommodations and options at Sharon Village Care Homes.
Growing old doesn’t mean you have to hold back. At Sharon Village Care Homes, our retirement communities have adaptive programs and amenities designed to help you make the most of your golden years. Schedule a tour of a property near you to learn more about or innovative approach to aging.
Five Arrangements to Make Before Your Aging Parent Enters a Long-Term Care Facility
When it comes to providing your aging parent with the best quality of life possible, sometimes out-of-home care is the best option. At Sharon Village Care Homes, we pride ourselves on providing residents with a loving and compassionate environment in which to age. Even so, there are some arrangements that our staff simply cannot make on behalf of your loved one.
As the primary caregiver, it is your responsibility to help your aging parent plan for their future. Handling the many documents and arrangements that come along with retirement and long-term estate planning can be overwhelming for an elderly individual. Simply put, you don’t want to miss the opportunity to handle these important matters while your parents are still capable of making difficult decisions.
While accommodations are important, it’s only one piece of the long-term care puzzle. The following are five other areas that you’ll want to investigate alongside your aging parent.
- Estate Planning
Getting an estate plan together when your parent is in good health will prevent any unnecessary confusion should his or her health fade later in life. Too many Canadian families wait until a health crisis hits before broaching this topic. Granted, it’s not the easiest thing to talk about, but that doesn’t diminish its importance.When talking to your parent about estate panning, remember that the discussion is about them. Ensure your parent feels loved and in control of the situation, not bullied and insecure. If you have suggestions, by all means offer them; however don’t expect your parent to immediately accept your advice as gospel. Instead, offer to bring in a third party expert, such as an estate lawyer or financial planner to assist with the more difficult questions. 
End of Life Options
Clearly this will be a painful conversation to have, but even so it’s a discussion that should take place prior to placing your parent in a long-term care facility. Knowing your parent’s preferences as to end-of-life care will help both of you deal with future health scares tremendously. Once your parent has come to a decision, it’s important that you sit down with a lawyer and have a living will drawn up to ensure that all of your loved one’s wishes are accounted for.- Decide Who Will Obtain Legal Powers
A power of attorney document allows you to make decisions on your parent’s behalf, if ever he or she is unable or unavailable to do so. Without a power of attorney, family members will need to go through a time-consuming and expensive court process that will ultimately declare the parent incompetent. At this point, the court will be responsible for assigning a power of attorney, not the family – a decision that could ultimately add more pain and confusion to an already emotionally draining process. - Find a Facility with Future Care Options
While your parent might be in good physical and mental health, all of that can change without warning. When investigating long-term care home options, be sure to ask about options for increased nursing care if ever your parent’s condition should worsen. Planning for this possibility now will save your parent the task of having to relocate to a different long-term care facility in a weakened state - Chronicle Your Family History
Now is as good a time as any to ask your parent question about your family’s history. Whether you’re packing up family photo albums or cataloguing heirlooms, the process of moving to a long-term care facility is sure to flood your elderly family member with tons of long-lost memories. As difficult as it might be, try to enjoy these blasts from the past together.
Looking for more helpful articles concerning the transition from independent living to a long-term care facility? Then continue to browse the Sharon Village Care Homes website. We’re constantly updating our online portal with helpful senior care articles.
Making the Most of the Small Space in a Retirement Home
Transitioning into a retirement home can be a difficult process. Not only do you need to let go of the past emotionally and mentally, in many cases, you’ll also be required to let go physically, purging possessions in order to accommodate your new space. If you’re used to living in your own home, downsizing to a single room or suite in a retirement community can be quite the adjustment. Luckily, there are ways that you can make the most of a small apartment maximize the space in your new retirement home. (more…)
The Benefits of Living in a Retirement Community
When you choose to live in a retirement community, you’re choosing more than a place to live. You’re picking a place to call home. Not only will this decision effect where you eat and sleep, but it will also have an impact on your social circle, your recreational schedule and your quality of life.
At Sharon Village Care Homes, our retirement communities cater to the unique needs and interests of our maturing residents. From the neighbourhoods that they’re located in to the amenities that are offered onsite, Sharon Village retirement communities are focused on providing more than just affordable housing. They offer exceptional living arrangements. (more…)
Tips to Help Your Loved One Adjust to a Retirement Home
Change is never easy. This is especially the case as we age. Making the transition from independent living to a more communal long-term care facility or retirement home can be an emotionally overwhelming and confusing process for older individuals and retirees. In fact, the typical adjustment period can span up to six weeks as elderly individuals start to form new habits and daily routines.
The following are some tips on how you can help your loved one adjust to their new life at a Sharon Village Care Home. (more…)
Long-Term Care
Retirement Homes
Adult Condominiums
